The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
The risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-149 (19V149000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WUE-90 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch |
| Report date | February 28, 2019 |
| Owners notified | April 15, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,303,530 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2013 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2014 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2014 Subaru Forester
- 2015 Subaru Forester
- 2016 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Subaru Impreza
- 2009 Subaru Impreza
- 2010 Subaru Impreza
- 2011 Subaru Impreza
- 2012 Subaru Impreza
- 2013 Subaru Impreza
- 2014 Subaru Impreza
- 2015 Subaru Impreza
- 2016 Subaru Impreza
- 2008 Subaru WRX
- 2009 Subaru WRX
- 2010 Subaru WRX
- 2011 Subaru WRX
- 2012 Subaru WRX
- 2013 Subaru WRX
- 2014 Subaru WRX
Owner complaints about the lights
- 2013 Subaru Crosstrek headlight problems 3
- 2014 Subaru Crosstrek headlight problems 2
- 2016 Subaru Crosstrek headlight problems 1
- 2017 Subaru Crosstrek headlight problems 3
- 2014 Subaru Forester headlight problems 10
- 2015 Subaru Forester headlight problems 15
- 2016 Subaru Forester headlight problems 6
- 2008 Subaru Impreza headlight problems 4
- 2009 Subaru Impreza headlight problems 3
- 2012 Subaru Impreza headlight problems 4
- 2013 Subaru Impreza headlight problems 7
- 2014 Subaru Impreza headlight problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-149 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,303,530 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.